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OPINION

Letter: Our country is divided, but let’s all work for the public good

Our country is divided. It should be divided because it is a democracy. Totalitarian governments suppress all opposition. Democracies allow different points of view. This is not a weakness but it is the strengths of our system as envisioned by our Constitution. Democracies have become united usually when faced with an overwhelming threat such as major wars. Not a reasonable prospect to look forward to. Let’s continue divided.

Different political views and affiliations should not be used as a cover for politicians to advance their personal interests at the expense of their obligations to serve the country. That is why they are elected and paid, not to work on their re-election. Their work schedule, voting activity, policy positions and relations with special interest groups should be followed and reported by media in an easily understandable and uniform format so that we can understand, compare, and know whom to reelect and whom to not re-elect.

Only at that time when the politicians recognize that they may not be re-elected will their performance improve.

The performance of House and Senate is so dysfunctional that it appears that they do not know what "pro bono publico” means. It is only that they are not accountable for their actions. It is up to the people who elect them to change it. Our country, government, laws, people, have to change and adapt to new technologies and a changing world. Let’s continue to be divided but all working "pro bono publico.”
Andrew Pastewski, Palm City

Read or Share this story: https://www.tcpalm.com/story/opinion/readers/2017/02/02/letter-our-country-divided-but-lets-all-work-public-good/97080118/